We use cookies to improve your online experience. For information on the cookies we use and for
details
on how we process your personal information, please see our Cookie Policy
and Privacy Policy. By
continuing
to use our website you consent to us
using cookies.

Germans girls' golden dream

Victorious Poreč Major Champions Chantal Laboureur and Julia Sude were almost lost for words after their incredible victory over Canadians Sarah Pavan and Heather Bansley.

It was their first ever gold, made even more remarkable by the fact they had to qualify for the Pool Play earlier in the week, playing eight games in the process.

“I can’t believe it, it’s crazy, I can’t find the words,” said Chantal after she had put down her champagne. “For sure it is one of the best moments of our career and the biggest win ever.

“It’s a dream to win one of the biggest tournaments in the highest-ranked competition ever. Every athlete dreams of this – but we have managed to do it.”

The girls had to rebook their flights for the Gstaad Major after reaching the semifinals and now hope they’ll be on Center Court more in front of their families in the Gstaadium next week.

“We’ll look forward to that,” said Julia. “But for now we’ll enjoy the moment. We’ve always had the belief in our ability because we’ve always had the skills to play at the highest level – it’s just another thing to go and do it on the court.”

Going into the semifinals the gold medalists were the outsiders of three German teams to claim gold.

But they showed in the final that they were no pushovers as they knocked out Karla Borger and Britta Büthe in the semifinal before trouncing Pavan and Bansley.

“I don’t think anyone should bet on beach volleyball because everyone beats each other!” joked Chantal. “We know we’ve got to the level but we have to keep it up and work even harder to stay there and reach another final.”